Game token money, method of manufacturing game token money, and inspection system

ABSTRACT

A game token money includes a plurality of plastic layers laminated through thermocompression bonding including at least a colored layer in the middle to specify a value of the game token money and a pair of pale color layers laminated on both sides of the colored layer. An RFID is embedded in a layer other than the outermost layer of the plurality of plastic layers; and a classification part is filled in at least one of the pale color layers to indicate a classification of the game token money. The classification part is recognizable from a side face and a front face of the game token money. The RFID contains information regarding a value of the game token money and a classification of the game token money indicated by the classification part.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to JP Application No.2017-144920 filed Jul. 26, 2017; the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a game token money used in a game of agambling house, a method of manufacturing the game token money, and aninspection system of the game token money.

BACKGROUND

In the related art, there is known a game token money having a pluralityof filler portions provided in a peripheral edge and spaced withintervals along a circumferential direction. FIG. 19 is a perspectiveview illustrating a game token money of the related art. In the gametoken money 190, the filler portion 191 is formed of a material having acolor different from the colors of other portions. Therefore, the fillerportion can be recognized on the front face and the side face of thegame token money.

The game token money of the related art is manufactured throughinjection molding, and a material having a color different from those ofother portions is injected to the filler portions. As a result, a gametoken money in which the color on the side face is changed between thefiller portions 191 and other portions along the circumferentialdirection is obtained.

SUMMARY

The applicant proposes a method of manufacturing a game token moneyhaving a multilayered structure by overlapping a plurality ofsheet-shaped members, thermocompressively bonding the sheet-shapedmembers to form a multilayered lamination plate, and punching themultilayered lamination plate (for example, PCT/JP 2016/072673). In sucha multilayered lamination plate, by coloring a plurality of sheet-shapedmembers with different colors, it is possible to recognize a pluralityof layers having different colors on the side face of the game tokenmoney obtained through punching.

An object of the invention is to provide a game token money having alayered structure provided with filler portions recognizable on thefront face and the side face, and a method of manufacturing the gametoken money.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a game tokenmoney including: a plurality of plastic layers laminated throughthermocompression bonding to form a strip pattern in a layeringdirection on a side face of the game token money, the plurality ofplastic layers including at least a colored layer in the middle tospecify a value of the game token money and a pair of pale color layerslaminated on both sides of the colored layer to interpose the coloredlayer; a radio-frequency identification (RFID) embedded in a layer otherthan the outermost layer of the plurality of plastic layers; and aclassification part filled in at least one of the pale color layers toindicate a classification of the game token money, wherein theclassification part is recognizable from a side face and a front face ofthe game token money, and the RFID contains information regarding avalue of the game token money and a classification of the game tokenmoney indicated by the classification part. In this configuration, inthe game token money having a layered structure obtained by laminating aplurality of plastic layers, it is possible to implement a fillerportion visually recognizable from a front face and a side face.

In the game token money described above, the classification part mayhave a color different from a color of the colored layer.

In the game token money described above, the classification part mayhave a color similar to a color of the colored layer.

In the game token money described above, the classification part mayhave a plurality of different colors.

In the game token money described above, the classification part mayindicate a classification of the game token money regarding whether thegame token money is for a very important person (VIP) or for a commonperson.

In the game token money described above, the classification part mayindicate a classification of the game token money regarding whether thegame token money is for a cash chip, for a rolling chip, or for apromotion chip.

In the game token money described above, a plurality of theclassification parts may be arranged at an equiangular interval in acircumferential direction of the game token money. In thisconfiguration, it is possible to visually recognize the classificationpart on the side face regardless of the angle of the circumferentialdirection of the game token money.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a methodof manufacturing a game token money, including: providing a plurality ofplastic layers including a colored layer and a pale color layer; forminga classification part insertion layer by filling a classification partindicating a classification of the game token money in the pale colorlayer; forming a multilayered lamination plate by arranging at least thecolored layer in the middle, laminating the classification partinsertion layer on both sides of the colored layer by interposing thecolored layer, arranging an RFID between the plurality of plasticlayers, and compressively bonding each layer through thermocompressionbonding; and punching the multilayered lamination plate into individualgame token moneys, wherein the multilayered lamination plate is punchedin the punching such that a punching line for punching the multilayeredlamination plate into game token moneys crosses the classification part,and the multilayered lamination plate is punched such that theclassification part is recognizable from a side face and a front face ofthe game token money after the punching. In this configuration, theclassification part is exposed on a cutting section in the event of thepunching. Therefore, it is possible to visually recognize theclassification part from the side face side as well as from the frontface side of the game token money.

In the manufacturing method described above, in the forming theclassification part insertion layer, a plurality of the classificationparts may be filled at an equiangular interval in a circumferentialdirection of the game token money to be punched. In this configuration,it is possible to visually recognize the classification part on the sideface regardless of the angle of the circumferential direction of thegame token money.

The manufacturing method described above may further include creating adatabase for associating information of the RFID with a value of thegame token money and a classification of the game token money indicatedby the classification part. In this configuration, it is possible tospecify the value information and the classification information of thegame token money associated with the information of the RFID byreferencing the database.

According to further another aspect of the invention, there is provideda game token money including: an indication for indicating a value ofthe game token money on a front face; at least a colored layer providedin the middle to form a stripe pattern in a layering direction on a sideface, the value of the game token money being specified by the coloredlayer; and a classification part formed in a color different from acolor of the colored layer and filled in a position recognizable from aside face and a front face, the classification part indicating aclassification other than the value of the game token money. In thisconfiguration, it is possible to recognize the classification part onany one of the side face and the front face and specify theclassification of the game token money.

The game token money described above may further include an RFIDembedded inside, wherein the RFID contains information regarding a valueof the game token money and a classification of the game token moneyindicated by the classification part. In this configuration, it ispossible to acquire information associated with the value and theclassification by reading the RFID.

In the game token money described above, the colored layer and theclassification part may be externally recognized by a camera, and avalue and a classification of the game token money obtained from thecamera may be inspected in combination with information obtained fromthe RFID. In this configuration, it is possible to inspect the gametoken money using a combination of the value and classification and theRFID.

In the game token money described above, a plurality of theclassification parts may be arranged at an equiangular interval in acircumferential direction of the game token money. In thisconfiguration, it is possible to visually recognize the classificationpart on the side face regardless of the angle of the circumferentialdirection of the game token money.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided agame token money obtained by laminating a plurality of layers includinga surface layer having a visually recognizable front face and a middlelayer positioned inward of the surface layer, the game token moneyincluding: a notch formed in an outer edge of the surface layer; and aclassification part filled in the notch to indicate a classification ofthe game token money, wherein the surface layer and the classificationpart are visually recognizable on the front face of the game tokenmoney, and the surface layer, the classification part, and the middlelayer are visually recognizable on a side face of the game token money.

According to still further another aspect of the invention, there isprovided a method of manufacturing a game token money, the methodincluding: providing a surface layer having a sheet shape having a blankportion; forming a classification part insertion layer by filling aclassification part in the blank portion; forming a multilayeredlamination plate by performing thermocompression bonding for a pluralityof layers including the classification part insertion layer and asheet-shaped middle layer; and obtaining a game token money by punchingthe multilayered lamination plate such that a punching line crosses theclassification part.

According to still further another aspect of the invention, there isprovided an inspection system for inspecting the game token moneydescribed above, including: a camera configured to create a front faceimage by photographing a front face of the game token money; a cameraconfigured to create a side face image by photographing a side face ofthe game token money; and an inspection device configured to specify acolor of the classification part from the front face image and specify acolor of the classification part from the side face image.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of theexemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the followingdetailed description of the exemplary embodiments when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a gametoken money according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustrating a sheet-shaped membercorresponding to a front face layer according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view illustrating a sheet-shaped member forfabricating classification part members according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a classification part memberobtained from the sheet-shaped member according to an embodiment of theinvention by punching;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view illustrating a sheet-shaped member filled withthe classification part members according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating lamination of a plurality of sheetmembers according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view illustrating a multilayered lamination platesubjected to punching and game token moneys obtained by punchingaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an inspectionsystem according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an installation example of a cameraaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an installation example of a cameraand an RF reader according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view illustrating a sheet-shaped member filledwith classification part members according to a modification of theembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view illustrating a sheet-shaped member filledwith classification part members according to a modification of theembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view illustrating a sheet-shaped member forfabricating classification parts according to a modification of theembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a classification part memberobtained by punching the sheet-shaped member according to themodification of the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view illustrating a sheet-shaped member filledwith the classification part member according to a modification of theembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money filledwith classification parts according to a modification of the embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view illustrating a sheet-shaped member filledwith classification part members according to a modification of theembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money of therelated art;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money filledwith classification parts according to a modification;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money filledwith classification parts according to a modification;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money filledwith classification parts according to a modification;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money filledwith classification parts according to a modification;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money filledwith classification parts according to a modification;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money filledwith classification parts according to a modification;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money filledwith classification parts according to a modification;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money filledwith classification parts according to a modification;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money filledwith classification parts according to a modification;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money filledwith classification parts according to a modification; and

FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money filledwith classification parts according to a modification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money accordingto an embodiment of the invention. The game token money 10 according tothis embodiment is manufactured by laminating a plurality of plasticsheet-shaped members, performing thermocompression bonding, and thenpunching in a circular shape. For this purpose, as illustrated in FIG.1, the game token money 10 has a layered structure obtained bylaminating a plurality of layers in a thickness direction. The layeredstructure obtained by laminating a plurality of sheet-shaped members isexposed on a side face of the game token money 10 to form a stripepattern in a layering direction.

The game token money 10 has a layered structure including a coloredlayer 12 as a middle layer and pale color layers 11 as surface layers onboth sides by interposing the colored layer 12. The front face of thepale color layer 11 can be visually recognized from the outside. Thecolor of the colored layer 12 corresponds to a value of the game tokenmoney 10 (such as twenty dollars, one hundred dollars, and one thousanddollars). That is, the game token money 10 has the colored layer 12having a color different depending on its value. The pale color layer 11has a color not denser than any color of the colored layer 12, and has acommon color for a plurality of classifications of values. The palecolor layer 11 typically has a white color. Therefore, the value of thegame token money 10 can be specified by the color of the colored layer12 by observing the side face.

Printing is performed on the front face of the pale color layer 11 asdescribed below, and a transparent layer is provided thereon. Therefore,the printing on the front face of the pale color layer 11 can bevisually recognized through the transparent layer. Notches 11 a areprovided on the outer edge of the pale color layer 11. Classificationparts 13 are filled in the notches 11 a of the pale color layer 11. Aplurality of classification parts 13 are arranged at an equiangularinterval in the circumferential direction (rotation direction) along theouter edge of the game token money 10. In the example of FIG. 1, fourclassification parts 13 are arranged at an angular interval of 90°.

Value information, identification information, and classificationinformation are given to the game token money 10. Here, the valueinformation is information indicating a value of the game token money 10(such as ten dollars, twenty dollars, one hundred dollars, and onethousand dollars), and the identification information is uniqueinformation capable of identifying each game token money 10. Theclassification information is information indicating a classification ofeach game token money 10 other than the value. The classificationinformation may include, for example, any one of information fordistinguishing whether the game token money 10 is a rolling chip or acash chip, junket information differently set for each junket to specifya junket, and casino information differently set for each casino tospecify the casino.

The value information, the identification information, and theclassification information can be visually recognized on the front faceof the game token money 10. Specifically, the value information iswritten as numerals 17 on the front face of the game token money 10. Theidentification information is coded and written as marks 14 and 15 onthe front face of the game token money 10. In addition, theclassification parts 13 are colored depending on the classification, andthe classification information is expressed by a color of theclassification part 13. Note that the color of the classification part13 is different from any color of the colored layer 12. Therefore, aclassification of the game token money 10 can be specified by the colorof the classification part 13.

The value information and the classification information can be visuallyrecognized on the side face of the game token money 10. Specifically,the value information is expressed by the color of the colored layer 12observed on the side face of the game token money 10. In addition, theclassification part 13 indicating the classification information usingthe color can also be visually recognized on the side face.

The identification information is stored in a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) chip 16 (hereinafter, simply referred to as an“RFID”) embedded in the game token money 10. Therefore, by reading thegame token money 10 using the RF reader, it is possible to read theidentification information stored in the RFID 16.

In this manner, the value information and the identification informationare given to the game token money 10 in a plurality of forms. However, aplurality of pieces of value information and identification informationgiven to true game token moneys match each other. In addition, arelationship between the identification information, the valueinformation, and the classification information is stored in a database.As the identification information is specified by the marks 14 and 15 orthe RFID 16, the value information and the classification informationcorresponding to this identification information can be specified byreferencing the database.

Next, a method of manufacturing the game token money 10 will bedescribed. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the method ofmanufacturing the game token money 10. First, the numerals 17 indicatingthe value information, the marks 14 and 15, and other patterns areprinted on the plastic sheet-shaped member 110 of the pale color layer11 serving as a surface layer (step S21). As described below, the gametoken money 10 is manufactured by punching the sheet-shaped member, anda plurality of game token moneys 10 are obtained from a singlesheet-shaped member. Accordingly, printing is performed to match thegame token moneys 10 within a plurality of punching target ranges 111 ofthe sheet-shaped member 110 serving as the surface layer.

Next, in order to form blank portions 112 for filling the classificationpart members 131 in the sheet-shaped member 110 of the surface layer,punching is performed to match shapes of the classification part members131 (step S22). FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustrating the sheet-shapedmember 110 serving as the surface layer. As illustrated in FIG. 3, aplurality of punching target ranges 111 are provided on the sheet-shapedmember 110. Although not illustrated in FIG. 3, printing is performed tomatch the game token moneys 10 within the punching target ranges 111.The blank portions 112 are formed to intersect the outer edge of thepunching target range 111 across the inside and the outside of eachpunching target range 111. According to this embodiment, as describedabove, the classification parts 13 are filled at an equiangular intervalof 90°. Accordingly, four blank portions 112 are formed at anequiangular interval of 90° along the outer circumferential direction ofthe outer edge of the punching target range 111.

Meanwhile, the classification part member 131 filled in the blankportion 112 is also fabricated by punching the plastic sheet-shapedmember 130. FIG. 4 is a top plan view illustrating the sheet-shapedmember 130 for fabricating the classification part member 131. Thesheet-shaped member 130 has the same thickness as that of thesheet-shaped member 110 serving as the surface layer and a colordifferent from that of the sheet-shaped member 110. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the classification part members 131 shaped to match the blankportions 112 are punched out from the sheet-shaped member 130.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the classification part member131 obtained by punching the sheet-shaped member 130. As illustrated inFIGS. 3 to 5, the blank portion 112 and the classification part member131 filled in the blank portion 112 have a substantial rectangular shapewith both longitudinal ends being rounded and are symmetric verticallyand horizontally.

Then, the classification part member 131 obtained by punching thesheet-shaped member 130 is filled in the blank portion 112 of thesheet-shaped member 110 serving as the surface layer (step S23). FIG. 6is a top plan view illustrating the sheet-shaped member 110 filled withthe classification part members 131. Note that the classification partmembers 131 are compressively bonded to the sheet-shaped member 110 andthe sheet-shaped member 120 serving as the colored layer 12 in athermocompression bonding process described below. Therefore, in thisfilling process, the classification part member 131 is not necessarilybonded to the sheet-shaped member 110.

Then, a plurality of sheet-shaped members including the sheet-shapedmembers 110 and 120 filled with the aforementioned classification partmembers 131 are laminated (step S24). FIG. 7 is a diagram illustratinglamination of a plurality of sheet members. According to thisembodiment, the colored layer 12 is formed by a pair of sheet members120. The RFID 16 is arranged in the center of the punching target range111 between a pair of sheet members 120 serving as the colored layers12.

The sheet member 110 having the blank portion 112 filled with theclassification part member 131 (classification part insertion layer) islaminated on both outer sides of a pair of sheet member 120 interposingthe RFID 16 such that each print layer 113 faces the outside. Inaddition, a transparent layer 170 serving as a protection layer islaminated on the outside of each of a pair of classification partinsertion layers. Note that, although each layer is spaced in FIG. 7, aplurality of layers are overlapped without a gap in the laminationprocess (step S24).

Thermocompression bonding is performed while a plurality of sheetmembers are laminated in this manner (step S25). Through thisthermocompression bonding, the layers neighboring each other arecompressively bonded to form a multilayered lamination plate 100 as awhole. The RFID 16 is embedded between a pair of sheet members 120 asthe sheet member 120 is thermally deformed.

Then, the game token money 10 is punched out from the multilayeredlamination plate 100 (step S26). FIG. 8 is a top plan view illustratingthe multilayered lamination plate 100 subjected to the punching and thegame token money 10 obtained by the punching. As described above, theclassification part member 131 is arranged to intersect the outer edgeof the punching target range 111 of each game token money 10. Therefore,the classification part member 131 is cut along the outer edge (punchingline) of the punching target range 111 which crosses the classificationpart member 131.

As a result, the blank portion 112 forms a notch 11 a, so that the gametoken money 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is obtained as the cutclassification part 13 is filled in the notch 11 a. The cutting sectionof the classification part 13 is exposed on the side face of the palecolor layer 11. Therefore, the classification part 13 can be visuallyrecognized from both the front face side and the side face side. In thismanner, the classification part 13 filled in the notch 11 a formed inthe outer edge of the pale color layer 11 serving as a surface layermakes a color change in the circumferential direction as the pale colorlayer 11 of the game token money 10 is observed from the side face.

Note that the printing on the surface layer may be performed afterpunching the game token money 10. In this case, a clear coating servingas a protection layer may be applied to the print layer subjected to theprinting.

Next, an inspection system for inspecting the game token money 10manufactured as described above will be described. FIG. 9 is a blockdiagram illustrating a configuration of the inspection system accordingto this embodiment. The inspection system 50 includes a game token money10, cameras 51 and 52, and a RF reader 53.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an installation example of the camera51. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an installation example of thecamera 52 and the RF reader 53. The camera 51 is installed over thetable Tb as illustrated in FIG. 10. The camera 51 has an optical system511 configured and arranged to photograph the front face of the gametoken money 10 placed on the table Tb. The camera 51 creates an image(front face image) by photographing the front face of the game tokenmoney 10 using the optical system 511.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the camera 52 is installed over a chip trayTr. The camera 52 has an optical system 521 configured and arranged tophotograph the side face of the game token money 10. The camera 52creates an image (side face image) by photographing the side face of thegame token money 10 using the optical system 521. In addition, the RFreader 53 has an antenna 531 configured and arranged to transmit radiowaves to the RFID 16 of the game token money 10 and receive the radiowaves from the RFID 16. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the RF reader 53reads information stored in the RFID 16 of the game token money 10housed in the chip tray Tr using the antenna 531.

The inspection system 50 further includes a recording device 54, aninspection device 55, a database 56, and an output device 57. Therecording device 54 records the front face image obtained from thecamera 51, the side face image obtained from the camera 52, and theinformation read by the RF reader 53. The inspection device 55 performsinspection on the basis of the image or information recorded on therecording device 54.

As described above, the value information is expressed by writingnumerals 17 in the center on the front face of the game token money 10,and the identification information is expressed by the marks 14 and 15.The classification information is expressed by the color of theclassification part 13. The inspection device 55 recognizes each of thevalue information, the identification information, and theclassification information by performing an image recognition processingfor the front face image. Note that this image recognition processingmay also be performed using a neural network.

The value information is expressed by the color of the middle layer(colored layer 12) on the side face of the game token money 10, and theclassification information is expressed by the color of theclassification part 13. The inspection device 55 recognizes each of thevalue information and the classification information by performing animage recognition processing for the side face image. In addition, thisimage recognition processing may also be performed using a neuralnetwork.

The database 56 stores the value information and the classificationinformation in association with the identification information. Theinspection device 55 specifies the value information and theclassification information stored in association with the identificationinformation by referencing the database 56 when the identificationinformation is specified on the basis of the marks 14 and 15 from thefront face image of the camera 51. The inspection device 55 compares thevalue information and the classification information specified in thismanner with the value information and the classification information,respectively, specified on the basis of the numerals and the color ofthe classification part 13 from the front face image of the camera 51and determines whether or not they match each other, that is, whether ornot the game token money 10 is true or false. If they do not match eachother, that is, if the game token money 10 is falsified, the outputdevice 57 outputs a warning. The output device 57 may include a buzzeror a lamp for outputting the warning.

Meanwhile, the inspection device 55 specifies the value information andthe classification information stored in association with theidentification information by referencing the database 56 when the RFreader 53 reads the identification information stored in the RFID 16.The inspection device 55 compares the value information and theclassification information specified in this manner with the valueinformation and the classification information, respectively, specifiedon the basis of the color of the colored layer 12 and the color of theclassification part 13 from the side face image of the camera 52 anddetermines whether or not they match each other, that is, whether or notthe game token money 10 is true or false. If they do not match eachother, that is, if the game token money 10 is falsified, the outputdevice 57 outputs a warning.

As described above, according to this embodiment, a portion(classification part 13) visually recognizable from both the front faceside and the side face side in a part of the circumferential directionis formed in the game token money 10 having the layered structure. Forexample, the classification information can be expressed using the colorof this portion. Since this classification information can be visuallyrecognized from both the front face side and the side face side, it ispossible to recognize the classification information using both thecamera that photographs the front face such as the camera 51 and thecamera that photographs the side face such as the camera 52.

A method of manufacturing the game token money 10 according to amodification of the aforementioned embodiment will now be described.FIG. 12 is a top plan view illustrating the sheet-shaped member 110filled with classification part members 1311 according to a modificationof the embodiment in conjunction with FIG. 6. In this example, oneclassification part member 1311 is shared by the neighboring game tokenmoneys 10. That is, one end portion of the classification part member1311 corresponds to the classification part 13 of one game token money10 by punching, and the other end portion corresponds to theclassification part 13 of the game token money 10 neighboring to the onegame token money 10 by punching. According to this modification, it ispossible to reduce the number of the classification part members filledin the sheet-shaped member 110, which is advantageous in reduction ofthe manufacturing cost.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view illustrating the sheet-shaped member 110filled with classification part members 1312 according to a modificationof the embodiment in conjunction with FIG. 6. In this example, a singleclassification part member 1312 is formed by connecting theclassification part members 1311 arranged in a vertical direction toeach other. FIG. 14 is a top plan view illustrating a sheet-shapedmember 130 for fabricating classification part members 1312 inconjunction with FIG. 4. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustratingclassification part members 1312 obtained by punching the sheet-shapedmember 130. In this manner, by connecting a plurality of classificationpart members 1311, it is possible to reduce the number of theclassification part members filled in the sheet-shaped member 110, whichis advantageous in reduction of the manufacturing cost.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view illustrating the sheet-shaped member 110filled with a classification part member 1313 according to amodification of the modification in conjunction with FIG. 6. In thisexample, a single classification part member 1313 is formed byconnecting the classification part members 1311 arranged in the verticaldirection and the horizontal direction to each other. That is, theclassification part member 1313 is formed by connecting all of theclassification part members 1311 excluding the classification partmember 131 filled in the peripheral portion of the sheet-shaped member110. In this example, it is possible to further reduce the number of theclassification part members, which is advantageous in reduction of themanufacturing cost.

Next, a modification of the classification part will be described. FIG.17 is a perspective view illustrating the game token money 10 filledwith the classification parts 13′ according to a modification. Theclassification part 13′ includes a center part 138 and side parts 139interposing the center part 138. In this classification part 13′according to this modification, two types of information can beexpressed by differently setting the color of the center part 138 andthe color of the side parts 139. For example, one type of classificationinformation (for example, casino information) can be expressed by thecolor of the center part 138, and the other type of the classificationinformation (for example, junket information) can be expressed by thecolor of the side parts 139.

FIG. 18 is a top plan view illustrating the sheet-shaped member 110filled with classification part members 131′ in conjunction with FIG. 6.One center part member 1381 and two side part members 1391 are filled ineach blank portion 112 of the sheet-shaped member 110. The center partmember 1381 and the side part member 1391 are fabricated by punching asheet-shaped member having the same thickness as that of thesheet-shaped member 110 and a different color from that of thesheet-shaped member 110.

Alternatively, although the RFID 16 is inserted between a pair ofsheet-shaped members 120 of the colored layer 12 in the aforementionedembodiment, the RFID 16 may be arranged in any place as long as it isembedded in the game token money 10. For example, the RFID 16 may bearranged between the pale color layer 11 and the colored layer 12. Inthis case, the colored layer 12 may include a single sheet-shaped member120. In addition, the number of the layers of the game token money 10may be changed more than or less than that of the aforementionedembodiment.

Although the middle layer is the colored layer 12, and the surface layeris the pale color layer 11 in the aforementioned embodiment, inversely,the middle layer may be the pale color layer 11, and the surface layermay be the colored layer 12. In this case, the colored layer 12 has thenotches where the classification parts 13 are filled. Alternatively,although the transparent protection layer is provided outside of thepale color layer 11 serving as the surface layer, and a layer serving asa front face of the game token money 10 in practice is the protectionlayer in the aforementioned embodiment, a layer having a surfacevisually recognizable from the front face side of the game token money10 in this manner is referred to as the surface layer in thisapplication because the (printing of the) front face of the pale colorlayer 11 can be visually recognized by observing the front face. Thesurface layer may also be the outermost layer.

Although the classification part member 131 is filled in the blankportion 112 of the sheet-shaped member 110, and another sheet-shapedmember is then overlapped thereon in the aforementioned embodiment,instead, the classification part member 131 may be filled in the blankportion 112 after the sheet-shaped member 110 having the blank portion112 is overlapped with another sheet-shaped member.

Although the classification part 13 is filled in both the front and backsurface layers of the game token money 10 in the aforementionedembodiment, the classification part 13 may be filled in only one of thesurface layers. In addition, although four classification parts arefilled in one of the surface layers at an interval of 90° in theaforementioned embodiment, the number of classification parts 13 may bedifferent from four. If two or more classification parts 13 are providedat an equiangular interval, it is possible to observe at least one ofthe classification parts 13 using the camera 52 regardless of anorientation of the circumferential direction of the game token money 10when the game token money 10 is housed in the chip tray Tr by exposingmore than a half as illustrated in FIG. 11. Therefore, it is desirableto provide two or more classification parts 13 in a single surfacelayer.

Although the identification information is given to the game token money10 using the marks 14 and 15 or the RFID 16 in the aforementionedembodiment, the game token money 10 may be absent of the identificationinformation.

Another modification of the classification part will now be described.FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money 10 filledwith a classification part according to a modification. Theclassification part 31 has the same color as that of the colored layer12. For this reason, the classification part 31 is formed of the samematerial as that of the colored layer 12. A plurality of classificationparts 31 are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferentialdirection along the outer edge of the game token money 10. According tothis modification, each classification part 31 has a relatively widewidth, and four classification parts 31 are arranged at an angularinterval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money 10 filledwith a classification part according to another modification. Theclassification part 32 has the same color as that of the colored layer12. For this reason, the classification part 32 is formed of the samematerial as that of the colored layer 12. A plurality of classificationparts 32 are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferentialdirection along the outer edge of the game token money 10. According tothis modification, the classification part 31 has a relatively narrowwidth, and four classification parts 32 are arranged at an angularinterval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money 10 filledwith a classification part according to another modification. Theclassification part 33 has the same color as that of the colored layer12. For this reason, the classification part 33 is formed of the samematerial as that of the colored layer 12. According to thismodification, the classification part 33 has a relatively narrow widthshape. In addition, according to this modification, a pair ofclassification parts 33 arranged at a relatively narrow interval in thecircumferential direction constitute a single set, and a plurality ofsets are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferentialdirection along the outer edge of the game token money 10. According tothis modification, four sets of classification parts 33 are arranged atan angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money 10 filledwith a classification part according to another modification. Theclassification part 34 has the same color as that of the colored layer12. For this reason, the classification part 34 is formed of the samematerial as that of the colored layer 12. According to thismodification, the classification part 34 has a relatively narrow widthshape. In addition, according to this modification, a pair ofclassification parts 34 arranged at a relatively wide interval in thecircumferential direction constitute a single set, and a plurality ofsets are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferentialdirection along the outer edge of the game token money 10. According tothis modification, four sets of classification parts 34 are arranged atan angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money 10 filledwith a classification part according to another modification. Theclassification part 35 has the same color as that of the colored layer12. For this reason, the classification part 35 is formed of the samematerial as that of the colored layer 12. According to thismodification, the classification part 35 has a relatively narrow widthshape. In addition, according to this modification, three classificationparts 35 arranged at a relatively narrow interval in the circumferentialdirection constitute a single set, and a plurality of sets are arrangedat an equiangular interval in the circumferential direction along theouter edge of the game token money 10. According to this modification,four sets of classification parts 35 are arranged at an angular intervalof 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money 10 filledwith a classification part according to another modification. Theclassification part 36 has a color different from that of the coloredlayer 12. For this reason, the classification part 36 is formed of amaterial different from that of the colored layer 12. A plurality ofclassification parts 36 are arranged at an equiangular interval in thecircumferential direction along the outer edge of the game token money10. According to this modification, the classification parts 36 have arelatively narrow width shape. In addition, according to thismodification, four classification parts 36 are arranged at an angularinterval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money 10 filledwith a classification part according to another modification. Theclassification part 37 has a color different from that of the coloredlayer 12. For this reason, the classification part 37 is formed of amaterial different from that of the colored layer 12. According to thismodification, a pair of classification parts 37 arranged at a relativelynarrow interval constitute a single set, and a plurality of sets arearranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential directionalong the outer edge of the game token money 10. According to thismodification, four sets of classification parts 37 are arranged at anangular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money 10 filledwith a classification part according to another modification. Theclassification part 38 has a color different from that of the coloredlayer 12. For this reason, the classification part 38 is formed of amaterial different from that of the colored layer 12. According to thismodification, the classification part 38 has a relatively narrow widthshape. In addition, according to this modification, a pair ofclassification parts 38 arranged at a relatively wide interval in thecircumferential direction constitute a single set, and a plurality ofsets are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferentialdirection along the outer edge of the game token money 10. According tothis modification, four sets of classification parts 38 are arranged atan angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money 10 filledwith a classification part according to another modification. Theclassification part 39 has a color different from that of the coloredlayer 12. For this reason, the classification part 39 is formed of amaterial different from that of the colored layer 12. According to thismodification, the classification part 39 has a relatively narrow widthshape. In addition, according to this modification, three classificationparts 39 arranged at a relatively narrow interval in the circumferentialdirection constitute a single set, and a plurality of sets are arrangedat an equiangular interval in the circumferential direction along theouter edge of the game token money 10. According to this modification,four sets of classification parts 39 are arranged at an angular intervalof 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money 10 filledwith a classification part according to another modification. Accordingto this modification, two types of classification parts 401 and 402having different colors constitute a single set, and a plurality of setsare arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential directionalong the outer edge of the game token money 10. According to thismodification, four sets of classification parts 401 and 402 are arrangedat an angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction. Theclassification parts 401 and 402 have different colors, and each colorof the classification parts 401 and 402 is different from the color ofthe colored layer 12. Each classification part has a relatively narrowwidth shape.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating a game token money 10 filledwith a classification part according to another modification. Accordingto this modification, two types of classification parts 411 and 412having different colors constitute a single set, and a plurality of setsare arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential directionalong the outer edge of the game token money 10. According to thismodification, a pair of classification parts 411 and a singleclassification part 412 constitute a single set. According to thismodification, four sets of classification parts 411 and 412 are arrangedat an angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction. Theclassification parts 411 and 412 have different colors, and each colorof the classification parts 411 and 412 is different from the color ofthe colored layer 12. Each classification part has a relatively narrowwidth shape.

In the examples of FIGS. 20 to 30, the numerals 17 in the center forindicating the value information, and the marks 14 and 15 for indicatingthe identification information are not illustrated for simplicitypurposes. However, any information equal to or different from theinformation of the aforementioned embodiment may also be inserted intothe game token moneys of each modification.

Next, a use of the game token money 10 filled with the classificationpart will be described. As described above, the classification partindicates the classification information. The classification informationmay include, for example, any one of information for distinguishingwhether the game token money 10 is a rolling chip or a cash chip, junketinformation differently set for each junket to specify a junket, andcasino information differently set for each casino to specify thecasino.

The game token money 10 is roughly classified into VIP chips and typicalcommon chips. Note that the VIP chips are game token money available forVIP players. For example, a player who deposits money equal to or morethan a predetermined amount in a casino becomes the VIP player.

Each of the VIP chips and the common chips can be classified into cashchips, rolling chips, promotion chips, and the like. The cash chips aregame token money that can be exchanged with cash. The rolling chips aregame token money that can be used to obtain cap chips by participatingand winning in a game. In addition, the promotion chips are game tokenmoney distributed for promotion.

Here, the rolling chip will be further described. The “rolling” refersto an action for exchanging the cash chip with the rolling chip. Therolling chip can be bought by only a player who deposits a predeterminedamount of money in a casino and opens a rolling program. When a playerparticipates and wins in a game using the rolling chips, withdrawal ismade on the basis of cash chips. A player can exchange cash chips (orcash) with rolling chips, and a predetermined percentage of a totalrolling money amount is paid to a player as a commission whenever therolling. Therefore, if the rolling money amount increases, the playercan get the more commission depending on the rolling money. In thismanner, an action of continuously exchanging (rolling) the rolling chipsand the cash chips is referred to as “rolling”. The commission generatedin the rolling is input to a system and is managed by the system.

Next, the junket chip will be further described. The game token moneyused by the junket has a mark dedicated to each junket. It would bedifficult to distinguish a plurality of junkets just by using the shapeand the arrangement of the classification part. In this case, similar tothe examples of FIGS. 17, 29, and 30, it is advantageous to provideclassification information for distinguishing the junket in combinationwith a plurality of colors.

What is claimed is:
 1. A game token money comprising: a plurality ofplastic layers laminated through thermocompression bonding to form astrip pattern in a layering direction on a side face of the game tokenmoney, the plurality of plastic layers including at least a coloredlayer in the middle to specify a value of the game token money and apair of pale color layers laminated on both sides of the colored layerto interpose the colored layer; a radio-frequency identification (RFID)embedded in a layer other than the outermost layer of the plurality ofplastic layers; and a classification part filled in at least one of thepale color layers to indicate a classification of the game token money,wherein the classification part is recognizable from a side face and afront face of the game token money, and wherein the RFID containsinformation regarding a value of the game token money and aclassification of the game token money indicated by the classificationpart.
 2. The game token money according to claim 1, wherein theclassification part has a color different from a color of the coloredlayer.
 3. The game token money according to claim 1, wherein theclassification part has a color similar to a color of the colored layer.4. The game token money according to claim 1, wherein the classificationpart has a plurality of different colors.
 5. The game token moneyaccording to claim 1, wherein the classification part indicates aclassification of the game token money regarding whether the game tokenmoney is for a very important person (VIP) or for a common person. 6.The game token money according to claim 1, wherein the classificationpart indicates a classification of the game token money regardingwhether the game token money is for a cash chip, for a rolling chip, orfor a promotion chip.
 7. The game token money according to claim 1,wherein a plurality of the classification parts are arranged at anequiangular interval in a circumferential direction of the game tokenmoney.
 8. A method of manufacturing a game token money, comprising:providing a plurality of plastic layers including a colored layer and apale color layer; forming a classification part insertion layer byfilling a classification part indicating a classification of the gametoken money in the pale color layer; forming a multilayered laminationplate by arranging at least the colored layer in the middle, laminatingthe classification part insertion layer on both sides of the coloredlayer by interposing the colored layer, arranging an RFID between theplurality of plastic layers, and compressively bonding each layerthrough thermocompression bonding; and punching the multilayeredlamination plate into individual game token moneys, wherein themultilayered lamination plate is punched in the punching such that apunching line for punching the multilayered lamination plate into gametoken moneys crosses the classification part, and wherein themultilayered lamination plate is punched such that the classificationpart is recognizable from a side face and a front face of the game tokenmoney after the punching.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein inthe forming the classification part insertion layer, a plurality of theclassification parts are filled at an equiangular interval in acircumferential direction of the game token money to be punched.
 10. Themethod according to claim 8, further comprising creating a database forassociating information of the RFID with a value of the game token moneyand a classification of the game token money indicated by theclassification part.
 11. A game token money comprising: an indicationfor indicating a value of the game token money on a front face; at leasta colored layer provided in the middle to form a stripe pattern in alayering direction on a side face, the value of the game token moneybeing specified by the colored layer; and a classification part formedin a color different from a color of the colored layer and filled in aposition recognizable from a side face and a front face, theclassification part indicating a classification other than the value ofthe game token money.
 12. The game token money according to claim 11,further comprising an RFID embedded inside, wherein the RFID containsinformation regarding a value of the game token money and aclassification of the game token money indicated by the classificationpart.
 13. The game token money according to claim 12, wherein thecolored layer and the classification part are externally recognized by acamera, and wherein a value and a classification of the game token moneyobtained from the camera can be inspected in combination withinformation obtained from the RFID.
 14. The game token money accordingto claim 11, wherein a plurality of the classification parts arearranged at an equiangular interval in a circumferential direction ofthe game token money.
 15. A game token money obtained by laminating aplurality of layers including a surface layer having a visuallyrecognizable front face and a middle layer positioned inward of thesurface layer, the game token money comprising: a notch formed in anouter edge of the surface layer; and a classification part filled in thenotch to indicate a classification of the game token money, wherein thesurface layer and the classification part are visually recognizable onthe front face of the game token money, and wherein the surface layer,the classification part, and the middle layer are visually recognizableon a side face of the game token money.
 16. A method of manufacturing agame token money, the method comprising: providing a surface layerhaving a sheet shape and having a blank portion; forming aclassification part insertion layer by filling a classification part inthe blank portion; forming a multilayered lamination plate by performingthermocompression bonding for a plurality of layers including theclassification part insertion layer and a sheet-shaped middle layer; andobtaining a game token money by punching the multilayered laminationplate such that a punching line crosses the classification part.
 17. Aninspection system for inspecting the game token money according to claim15, comprising: a camera configured to create a front face image byphotographing a front face of the game token money; a camera configuredto create a side face image by photographing a side face of the gametoken money; and an inspection device configured to specify a color ofthe classification part from the front face image and specify a color ofthe classification part from the side face image.